Manchester United Transfer News: Setback for Van Gaal as Prime Target is Set to be Offered New Deal

Arjen Robben has been in Manchester United's hitlist ever since Louis Van Gaal has taken charge at Old Trafford.

Arjen Robben's present club, Bayern Munich, is aware of the interest and are hence thinking of extending the player's contract.

This is going to be a huge setback for Van Gaal, who has been a long-time admirer of the skilful Dutch winger, who has been in great form for both his club as well as his national side.

Van Gaal is eager to add more firepower and strengthen his squad. Having failed in his pursuit to sign players such as Kevin Strootman and Gareth Bale, this could well be another big star who could get away.

It was only last year the Dutchman signed a new contract with Bayern Munich worth £180,000 a week and now the Daily Star reports that the former Chelsea star is set to be given a contract extension till 2018.

This will considerably reduce Van Gaal and Manchester United's chances of signing the star.

Understandably so, Bayern are trying to act very swiftly and fend off any suitors, primarily Manchester United.

Van Gaal knows the quality and the work rate that the Dutchman possesses, especially as Robben played an instrumental role for Van Gaal's Dutch side in the last 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The winger has been a huge asset to Bayern after signing from Real Madrid in 2009. Robben has scored an impressive 66 goals from 119 appearances for the Bundesliga giants. With Bayern, he has won almost everything at the club level.

Arjen Robben's game style perfectly suits the English Premier League, with his amazing pace and darting runs from the flanks, terrorising defenders. His three years stint with Chelsea is a testimony to the fact.

More importantly, Robben's game has been improving tremendously year after year. The 30-year-old Dutch star seems to be getting wiser with age as well after having started his professional career with Gronigen in 2000.

Alex Ferguson, Manchester United's most successful manager, was also keen on signing the player, but Chelsea won the race to sign Robben in 2004.

Though, this time around, the Red Devils might not be facing major competition from any top club, they may have to just give up if Bayern extend Robben's contract as is being reported.